Bajrang Dal men strip Muslim man, harass woman in separate incidents in India

New Delhi: Hindutva-linked Bajrang Dal members have stripped and harassed two Muslims, including a woman, in separate incidents in BJP-ruled Indian states.

A Muslim youth identified as Adil Khan was stripped and forced to apologise by members of the Bajrang Dal in Govandi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, over remarks he had reportedly made on social media.

Videos circulating on social media show a group of men confronting Khan, with the young man appearing partially undressed and being made to apologise. The footage has triggered concerns over public humiliation and physical assault.

According to reports accompanying the videos, Bajrang Dal members confronted Khan after taking offence at one of his social media posts.

The incident has raised questions about the use of vigilante action in response to social media posts. If a post constitutes an offence, the appropriate course is to report it to the authorities and allow the legal process to take its course rather than subjecting the accused to humiliation or extra-judicial punishment.

The incident has also triggered concerns over the use of public intimidation and vigilante methods in disputes involving allegedly offensive online content. The incident drew criticism on social media, with users calling for action against those involved. Users argued that while objectionable or unlawful remarks can be dealt with under the law, punishment is ultimately a matter for the competent authorities and courts.

One user on X wrote, “If someone is a criminal, will the punishment be given by the law or by Bajrang Dal?” Another user, tagging Mumbai Police, wrote, “What is this? If no action is taken against those engaging in such bullying and vigilantism, such elements will further disturb Hindu-Muslim unity in Maharashtra.”

In another similar incident, Bajrang Dal members harassed a Muslim woman travelling by train from Prayagraj to Satna in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. According to videos circulating on social media, she was stopped and forced to get off the train by members of the group, who then questioned and harassed her.

A video showing the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from users who questioned the intervention by the right-wing group and the conduct of the police.

One social media post said that police personnel were present at the scene but did not intervene. Another user questioned the conduct, writing, “Who is funding these mental retards? The entire day they are busy roaming around and harassing innocent people.”